Laboratory Information:
ARL - Vehicle Technology Directorate - Propulsion Program
AMSRL-VP-C
21000 Brookpark Drive
MS 49-7
Cleveland, OH 44135-3127
Website: http://www.arl.army.mil/vtd/vtcindex.html
Agency/Department: Dept. of Defense - Army
Region: Midwest
Background/History of the Laboratory:
The Vehicle Technology Directorate ( VTD) of the U.S.
Army Research Laboratory conducts basic and
exploratory research in structural and propulsion technologies. Propulsion research is carried out at
the NASA
Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The projects involve new gas turbine engine
concepts and advanced power transmission systems for air and ground vehicle systems. The VTD is a major
player in the joint development of the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology program
and
the the Joint Turbine Advanced Gas Generator demonstration. VTD produces tools and understanding needed
to design and fabricate engine systems with greater efficiency, lighter weight, enhanced reliability,
and
improved power output. The Army partnership with the NASA Research Centers started in 1969 and has been
an enduring success story ever since. The arrangement has enabled Army scientists and engineers to
leverage over 550 specialized NASA state-of-the- art, world-class research facilities, and to collaborate
on joint
programs with highly regarded national and international experts in air and ground vehicle technology.
Mission of the Laboratory:
-
Conducting theoretical and experimental
investigations in loads analysis, structural dynamics, aero-
elasticity, structural acoustics, and vibration reduction.
- Conducting theoretical and experimental investigations
in structural mechanics, structural analysis,
strength and durability, nondestructive evaluation, and structural concepts.
Technology Areas of Expertise:
- Engine and transmission systems
- Advanced mechanical component and configuration concepts
- Tribological understanding
- Power-to-weight ratios
- Advanced engine components
- Turbine engine technology
- Mathematical modeling
- Fault detection methods
- Engine components
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Aerodynamic component design
- Waverotor technology
- Materials processing technology
